Dreams of the silver screen coming to Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow.
Residents campaigning for a cinema to help regenerate the Crystal Place Triangle had hoped one might be opened in the for-sale Gala Bingo Hall in Church Road.
But it has been confirmed the building has been bought by a evangelical church.
It was understood the building - once a cinema before it closed down in 1968 - had become a prime target for independent cinema chain City Screen.
The company behind the popular Ritzy and Clapham Picture House theatres had confirmed it was interested in opening a cinema in the area.
But the bingo hall - which will close on Sunday - is to be bought by the church, subject to the exhange of contracts Many residents were backing plans for a cinema because of its wide appeal, and the economic boost they say it would give to the area.
But campaigners have vowed to continue to look for an alternative site.
The nearest cinemas to the Crystal Palace triangle are in Streatham, Beckenham, and Croydon.
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